Kopondo- We’re Doing This For Okombe

Wilson Kopondo and Russia Coach Aleksandr Pervukhin during the Cup of Nations launch at the Kings Park Ground in Hong Kong on Thursday 9 November 2017/Photo/KRU

The Simbas have dedicated every performance during the Regal Hotels Cup of Nations to fallen team mate Mike Okombe who passed away on Saturday 4 November.

Team captain Wilson Kopondo, speaking at the official unveiling of the tournament at the Kings Park Ground in Hong Kong on Friday afternoon said,” We are doing this for Okombe (Mike)…we’re aiming for the title and doing it for the man himself…Mike Okombe.”

He also spoke about the attributes that have seen the Simbas invited to compete alongside defending champions Russia, hosts Hong Kong and fellow debutants Chile, saying, ” the hard work we’ve put in over the past couple of weeks and the will to fight it out is what sees us here. We’ve prepared well enough for this and should have a good go at it.”

The Simbas start their campaign against Chile at 12.00pm on Friday 10 November before duelling Russia at the same time on Tuesday 14 November. They will wind up their campaign against hosts Hong Kong on Saturday 18 November, the third meeting between the two sides this year.